When I was a young girl, often my grandparents would drive me to church. I remember riding in the back of their blue and white DeSota with the plastic cover on the back seat for protection. I also remember being ready for church in my Sunday best dress with white stockings and black patent leather shoes. But, the one thing I remember most was the quarter Grandma and Grandpa would give me for the offering. I loved watching as the ushers passed the offering plates in the rows ahead of me. I was eager for them to get to my row so I could put my shiny quarter in the wooden plate.
As I look back, I realize it wasn’t much in the way of an offering, but it was an incredible lesson teaching me the importance of giving to the church. It led to my practice of tithing my babysitting money from Saturday night gigs as a teen. Then I felt good because I’d put in a whole two dollars.
As I grew and earned more, the practice of giving has stuck with me. Even when money has been tight, I remember tithing as a spiritual practice that says “I trust God to care for me regardless of my circumstances.”
November is one of the times we take a look at our stewardship in the church. How are we being good stewards of what God has
entrusted to us? Our stewardship consists of not just money but also our time and talents. As you might know, Jesus spent a lot of time talking about money because where we spend our money tells us a lot about our priorities. Though it may sometimes be an uncomfortable topic of discussion, talking about money and stewardship is an important aspect of our growth as disciples.
This month, I invite you to consider your heart as it concerns giving. Join with me in wondering about our attitude towards tithing and stewardship. Do we avoid and cringe? Do we eagerly await the chance to put in your coins? Is there some other reaction?
In all of these places, know that no matter where we are, God loves us and invites us to take steps closer to the very best of who God is calling us to be!
Blessings and Peace,
Katherine